Mikiya — Hotel in Toyooka

Our family of 4, including 2 children (13 and 7) stayed in a suite at Mikiya in early July for 2 nights. We could not have asked for a better experience. The inn is just lovely with so many nice touches. We were greeted by Risa-san in the lounge area and served tea while everything was explained to us. We then picked out our yukatas and were shown how wear them. Then we were shown to our suite which was just perfection. Sitting room with low table connected to the bedroom (with raised beds) by an "engawa" verandah with floor to ceiling windows out onto the gorgeous garden. A second parallel corridor connected the rooms and a bathroom with toilet and sink on the other side. We parents slept in the bedroom and the children slept on futons (laid out while we ate dinner) in the living room. Each room had its own AC unit and control. I loved to sit by the windows in the engawa and just take in the garden. ||||The ryokan's facilities are top notch. The two main baths at the ryokan have been renovated and are really nice. The family/private bath is the last to be renovated and could use a refresh. The meals were just breathtaking. The kaiseki dinners were had abut 10 courses that were beautifully presented. It was not crab season but we enjoyed some very tasty Tajima beef. They made simpler more kid-friendly dishes for our children. Breakfasts were also amazing, with fresh cooked-at-the-table tofu as well as the a variety of grilled fish, pickles, miso soup, and more. The kids were unaccustomed to the Japanese breakfast but the adults were delighted. ||||Now, about the service. Everyone was so helpful and friendly without being obtrusive. Risa-san and I had been in email communication from the start and her English is excellent. She helped us to choose the right rooms and was also very flexible when we had to alter our dates. On our last day, the recent typhoon was beginning to affect rail travel and she personally called the train and bus stations to figure out what was going on. We were due to check out and then take an express train to Osaka, but that got cancelled. Risa-san not only helped us to figure out our options to get to Osaka, but she also accompanied us to the train station in the ryokan's private van to make sure we got on the right train and had the right schedule. She waited until we passed through the gates before she bowed and left. It was uncommonly kind of her and so very appreciated. For all her help, we gifted her with a small package of chocolates and she couldn't stop thanking us. I cannot say enough positive things about Risa-san and her staff. FYI, her husband owns the Mikiya and she helps him run it. Her mother in-law actually lives at the ryokan and creates the flower...

We stayed in March for my spouse's birthday. We've done a fair amount of travels and Mikiya ranks tops in luxury experiences.The Mikiya is a gorgeous restored historic inn, with a lovely lush garden and pond, its own onsens and gorgeous gorgeous rooms.||||The welcome and service throughout our stay was extraordinary. Every little detail was taken cared of and it never felt formal or uptight (like some 5-stars properties in Europe or the US). There's a sense of ease and peace throughout our stay. ||||Mr. Hiro took care of us and our friend staying in anther room. He introduced each of our dinner courses which were all spectacular. )In NYC, the dinner alone would be the cost of our stay.). We felt very special to have Mr. Hiro take care of us.||||My spouse and I stayed in room 5 (I believe ). It's the most luxurious room with is own modern full bath. (Not a necessity we found as the onsite onsens are quite nice.) Our room was incredibly gorgeous & huge with original art and Japanese minimalist aesthetics. We have full floor to ceiling expansive views of the gardens and the lush trees and plants provide privacy. The beds that were made up for us during dinner was very comfortable. The yukatas (robes to wear around town and dinner) was also gorgeous- made of luxurious antique fabric - two layers for cool or cold tempts. The yukatas at the Mikiya are the best in town from our walks around. Unfortunately, not available for purchase. Mr. Hiro has extraordinarily high taste level and very detailed.||||Can't say enough about how special and luxurious our visit was. The combination of beauty, tastes, peace and the healing onsens in incomparable to other experience. We can't say enough about this magical place. This is an authentic Japanese experience as there are many Japanese guests at the inn and around town.||||Kinosaki is a lovely town filled with onsens. ||||Tips:||Send your luggage ahead to your next destination. You only need a small weekend bag. You will be in your yukatas the entire stay. (This is what Japanese guests do as well.)||||The location of the Mikiya is the best. It's at the edge and end of a small walk-able town. Some of the other inns are in town and therefore, may have more pedestrian noise.||||There are artisans around town specializing a local material. One man makes art from color straws. His work has been...

Unforgettable Stay with Private Onsen & Incredible Crab Feast! Our recent stay at this onsen hotel in Japan was nothing short of exceptional. Everything—from the peaceful atmosphere to the warm hospitality—exceeded our expectations. The highlight of our trip was the great services, good location and private onsen on the property, which offered the perfect blend of relaxation, tradition, and privacy. the hotel /ryokan is an old hotel but well maintained, with a tranquil ambiance that made it feel like our own hidden retreat. We were able to reserve a time and enjoy the onsen, completely undisturbed. We stayed on 3/6 , snow crab season! And the dinner? Absolutely phenomenal. We were served a generous multi-course meal featuring the freshest local crab and local beef, sashimi, , and more. Every dish was carefully prepared, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. Not only was it delicious, but there was so much food, we were completely full and happy by the end of the night.

The service throughout our stay was outstanding, thanks to the incredible staff and landlord. I got motion sickness from train ride and arrived early. Tomoko Kataoka made me feel genuinely welcome, served drink, checked me in early and had the bed ready for me to rest. Sapana brought such joy and warmth to each interaction— took me to the room, it felt like we were being taken care of by an old friend. Thanks to all, your services is professional, kind, and attentive, making sure every little detail was just right. Next morning Zura was waiting for us for breakfast feast.

We left feeling refreshed, well-fed, and truly cared for. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with top-notch hospitality, a soothing private onsen, and a mouthwatering seafood feast—this is the place. Thank you very much Tomoko, Sapana and Zura Can’t...